Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18Sample

What is this passage saying?

The men continue their quest to share the Gospel, but the Spirit had forbidden them from speaking in Asia. Then the disciples tried to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. Then Paul receives a vision from the Lord of a man in Macedonia urging him to come to Macedonia. Paul responds immediately by trying to find a way to Macedonia knowing without a doubt that this is where the Lord wanted them to go share the Gospel. For divine reasons only the Lord knows, He did not want Paul in Asia or Bithynia. Knowing the voice of the Lord was made simple by the Lord, we have the Word of God and His Holy Spirit indwelling us. There are times in life when we get confused. If we evaluate how we spend our time we can see whose voice, we have been listening to the most. For Paul- his life was listening and responding to the voice of the Lord. He spent his days sharing God’s words with anyone who would listen. He knew the voice of the Lord. He had immersed himself in it. Tony Evan’s writes this about this passage, “One of the primary ways the Holy Spirit guides believers is His ministry of illumination, enabling us to understand and apply biblical truth in our lives. The more Scripture we know, the more material the Spirit must work with in our hearts and minds.” He continues writing that the Holy Spirit guides us in the ways of the Lord, and He will never lead us somewhere contrary to scripture. We see in these passages that God had a clear plan for these men. They were so Intune with the voice of the Lord that they were able to follow this plan perfectly.

What is this passage teaching?

The ways of the Lord are higher than ours. We are called to obey His voice. This passage shows how Intune Paul was with the voice of the Lord. Paul was completely obedient when the Holy Spirit prompted him. When we are listening to the voice of the Lord more than other voices, it will be easy for us to identify when He speaks to us. There will be times in your life when you will not understand or don’t know which way to go, this should make you pursue the Lord more. Draw closer to Him. He has proven that His timing is perfect. He is a kind God who knows all things. He always makes things clear for His people as they seek Him. He will always be found by His people. He is a loving Father who sealed your eternity and still gives you peace on earth.

How do I respond?

Christians must prioritize time alone with God. We must be diligent to read His Word and spend time in prayer. A great practice to include in your life is memorizing scripture. The more words of God that you can get in your heart and mind, the better.